Leg brace training apparatus to enhance proper swing mechanics in sports

ABSTRACT

An athletic leg brace training apparatus coupled to a user&#39;s rear leg to enhance swing mechanics is provided. The leg brace training apparatus includes a brace member having an upper portion connected to a lower portion, the upper portion having a first longitudinal axis, the lower portion having a second longitudinal axis, a first strap with opposing ends coupled to the upper portion of the brace member and designed to conform around the user&#39;s rear leg, and a second strap with opposing ends coupled to the lower portion of the brace member and designed to conform around the user&#39;s rear leg. The first longitudinal axis of the upper portion of the brace member is oriented within an approximate range of 115 to 145 degrees relative to the second longitudinal axis of the lower portion of the brace member.

RELATED APPLICATION

The application claims priority to provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 62/343,700 filed on May 31, 2016, the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The embodiments herein relate generally to athletic training aids designed to help a user improve his/her swing mechanics in sports such as baseball, softball, golf, and the like.

Successful athletes in baseball, softball and golf continually strive to improve their swing mechanics to improve contact with the ball through the hitting zone. Proper swing mechanics require the athlete to maintain a stable stance with his/her legs, transfer body weight to the rear leg in the setup or backswing, and transfer body weight to the front leg during the forward swing to enable the bat or club to strike the ball in the hitting zone. The positioning of the athlete's body including the hands, wrists, arms and shoulders is critical to ensure the bat or club follows the proper swing plane to ensure solid contact with the ball.

The position of the athlete's back or rear leg in the stance is particularly important in the swing. In baseball or softball, the athlete's rear leg from the hamstring to the calf should ideally be oriented within the range of 115-125 degrees relative to each other. In golf, the athlete's rear leg from the hamstring to the calf should ideally be oriented within the range of 135-145 degrees relative to each other. Maintaining the rear leg in these angle ranges permits the batter or golfer to maintain proper body positioning of the hands, wrists, arms and shoulders to control the bat or club along the proper swing plane to enhance contact between the bat or club and the ball during the swing.

A variety of knee and leg braces exist to provide support to the user's knee when walking, running or performing other activities. These braces are typically worn by the user to protect an injured knee and/or prevent further damage to the area. However, these braces are not designed for use during training to help athletes to improve their swing mechanics. More specifically, these braces are not designed to maintain the user's rear leg positioning within a certain range of angles to help ingrain in the user the proper swing mechanics through muscle memory.

As such, there is a need in the industry for an athletic leg brace that addresses the limitations of the prior art, which helps the user to maintain his/her rear leg in the stance in the proper positioning to improve swing mechanics in baseball, softball, golf, and the like.

SUMMARY

An athletic leg brace training apparatus coupled to a rear leg of a user to enhance swing mechanics is provided. The leg brace training apparatus is configured to maintain proper body positioning of the user to maximize energy transfer and power throughout a swing. The leg brace training apparatus comprises a brace member comprising an upper portion connected to a lower portion, the upper portion of the brace member comprising a first longitudinal axis and configured to contact a hamstring portion of the rear leg, the lower portion of the brace member comprising a second longitudinal axis and configured to contact a calf portion of the rear leg, a first strap comprising opposing ends coupled to opposing edges of the upper portion of the brace member, the first strap configured to conform around the rear leg of the user, and a second strap comprising opposing ends coupled to the opposing edges of the lower portion of the brace member, the second strap configured to conform around the rear leg of the user, wherein the first longitudinal axis of the upper portion of the brace member is oriented within an approximate range of 115 to 145 degrees relative to the second longitudinal axis of the lower portion of the brace member, thereby maintaining the proper body positioning of the user throughout the swing.

In certain embodiments, any number of additional straps may be coupled to the brace member. In one embodiment, the first longitudinal axis of the upper portion of the brace member is oriented within an approximate range of 115 to 125 degrees relative to the second longitudinal axis of the lower portion of the brace member. In one embodiment, the first longitudinal axis of the upper portion of the brace member is oriented within an approximate range of 135 to 145 degrees relative to the second longitudinal axis of the lower portion of the brace member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention will be made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein the figures disclose one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of certain embodiments of the leg brace training apparatus;

FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of certain embodiments of the leg brace training apparatus;

FIG. 3 depicts a section view of certain embodiments of the leg brace training apparatus;

FIG. 4 depicts a section view of certain embodiments of the leg brace training apparatus taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 depicts a section view of certain embodiments of the leg brace training apparatus taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 depicts a front view of certain embodiments of an alternative embodiment of the leg brace training apparatus illustrating strap 54;

FIG. 7 depicts a rear view of certain embodiments of the alternative embodiment of the leg brace training apparatus illustrating strap 54;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of certain embodiments of the alternative embodiment of the leg brace training apparatus;

FIG. 9 depicts a front view of certain embodiments of the alternative embodiment of the leg brace training apparatus;

FIG. 10 depicts a side view of certain embodiments of the alternative embodiment of the leg brace training apparatus; and

FIG. 11 depicts a rear view of certain embodiments of the alternative embodiment of the leg brace training apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

In certain embodiments of the invention depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the leg brace training apparatus is configured to be worn by user 38 and generally comprises brace 10, primary straps 12 and secondary straps 14. In a preferred embodiment, the leg brace training aid is configured to be secured around the rear leg of user 38 to help maintain proper body positioning of the user's hands, wrists, arms and shoulders. This helps user 38 to control the bat or club along the proper swing plane to enhance contact between the bat or club and ball during a swing.

Brace 10 preferably is made from plastic such as polypropylene and comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. However, alternative materials may be used instead. Primary straps 12 are coupled to a first side edge of brace 10. Secondary straps 14 are coupled to a second side edge of brace 10. Primary and secondary straps 12, 14 may be made from any materials including, but not limited to, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, webbing, and the like. Primary and secondary straps 12, 14 may be secured to brace 10 by an adhesive or alternative fastening components.

In a preferred embodiment, a pair of primary straps 12 are coupled to the upper portion of brace 10, a pair of secondary straps 14 are coupled to the upper portion of brace 10, a primary strap 12 is coupled to the lower portion of brace 10, and a secondary strap 14 is coupled to the lower portion of brace 10. However, the number of primary and secondary straps 12, 14 used may vary.

Each primary strap 12 comprises hook fastening sheet 16 coupled thereto. Similarly, each secondary strap 14 comprises loop fastening sheet 18 coupled thereto. This permits hook fastening sheet 16 of primary strap 12 to detachably couple with loop fastening sheet 18 of a corresponding secondary strap 14 to create a loop sufficiently large to receive the rear leg of user 38 therethrough.

FIGS. 3-5 depict the leg brace training apparatus secured to the rear leg of user 38. As depicted in FIGS. 3-4, primary and secondary straps 12, 14 are disposed around the rear leg of user 38 in the upper portion of brace 10 and secured together by the engagement of hook fastening sheet 16 with loop fastening sheet 18. As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 5, primary and secondary straps 12, 14 are disposed around the rear leg of user 38 in the lower portion of brace 10 and secured together by the engagement of hook fastening sheet 16 with loop fastening sheet 18. This secures brace 10 to the rear leg with the brace's upper portion in contact with a hamstring portion and the brace's lower portion in contact with the calf portion of user 38.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the upper portion of brace 10 comprises a first longitudinal axis oriented an angle 36 (equal to A degrees) relative to a second longitudinal axis of the lower portion of brace 10. In one embodiment, A is within the approximate range of 115-125 degrees. This angle range is ideal for athletes in baseball or softball to improve their swing mechanics. In one embodiment, A is within the approximate range of 135-145 degrees. This angle range is ideal for athletes in golf to improve their swing mechanics.

In operation, brace 10 is coupled to the rear leg of user 38 by coupling primary and secondary straps 12, 14 together around the leg. User 38 performs swings while wearing brace 10 to help enhance swing mechanics. To remove brace 10 from user 38, primary and secondary straps 12, 14 are disengaged from each other.

FIGS. 8-11 depict an alternate leg brace training apparatus, which is used and secured to the rear leg of user 38 in substantially the same manner as the leg brace training apparatus previously described. Alternate leg brace training apparatus generally comprises brace 40 and straps 54.

Brace 40 preferably is made from plastic such as polypropylene and comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. However, alternative materials may be used instead. In certain embodiments, three pairs of slots 42 are disposed on brace 40 along opposing side edges of the brace. Each slot 42 is configured to receive strap 54 therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, two pairs of slots 42 are coupled to the upper portion of brace 40 and another pair of slots 42 are coupled to the lower portion of brace 40. However, brace 40 may comprise any alternative number of slots 42. In one embodiment, a plurality of support members 50 are coupled to the junction of the upper and lower portions of brace 40.

As depicted in FIG. 10, the upper portion of brace 40 comprises a first longitudinal axis oriented an angle 48 (equal to B degrees) relative to a second longitudinal axis of the lower portion of brace 40. In one embodiment, B is within the approximate range of 115-125 degrees. This angle range is ideal for athletes in baseball or softball to improve their swing mechanics. In one embodiment, B is within the approximate range of 135-145 degrees. This angle range is ideal for athletes in golf to improve their swing mechanics.

Each strap 54 is inserted through a corresponding pair of slots 42 oppositely oriented on the side edges of brace 40 and secured to itself to create a loop sufficiently large to receive the rear leg of user 38 therethrough. Strap 54 may be made from any materials including, but not limited to, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, webbing, and the like.

As depicted in FIG. 6, the front face of each strap 54 comprises loop fastening sheet 44 coupled to an intermediate portion and a pair of hook fastening sheets 56 coupled to opposing ends. Each strap 54 end is configured to be folded to permit hook fastening sheet 56 to engage with loop fastening sheet 44. As depicted in FIG. 7, the rear face of each strap 54 comprises fabric pad 52 coupled to an end of the rear face of the strap. Fabric pad 52 is preferably made from vinyl or other known material in the field. In one embodiment, fabric pad 52 comprises any variety of letters, numbers, symbols, designs, logos, and the like.

In operation, the alternate leg brace training apparatus is secured to the rear leg of user 38 by using straps 54. As depicted in FIG. 8, the ends of each strap 54 are inserted through a corresponding pair of slots 42 oppositely oriented on the side edges of brace 40 and folded onto itself to permit hook fastening sheets 56 to engage with loop fastening sheet 44. This creates a loop that conforms around the rear leg of user 38. Once all straps 54 are secured in place, brace 40 is secured to the rear leg with the brace's upper portion in contact with a hamstring portion and the brace's lower portion in contact with the calf portion of user 38. User 38 performs swings while wearing brace 40 to help enhance swing mechanics.

It shall be appreciated that the components of the leg brace training apparatuses described in several embodiments herein may comprise any alternative known materials in the field and be of any color, size and/or dimensions. It shall be appreciated that the components of the leg brace training apparatuses described herein may be manufactured and assembled using any known techniques in the field.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An athletic leg brace training apparatus coupled to a rear leg of a user to enhance swing mechanics, the leg brace training apparatus configured to maintain proper body positioning of the user to maximize energy transfer and power throughout a swing, the leg brace training apparatus comprising: a brace member comprising an upper portion connected to a lower portion, the upper portion of the brace member comprising a first longitudinal axis and configured to contact a hamstring portion of the rear leg, the lower portion of the brace member comprising a second longitudinal axis and configured to contact a calf portion of the rear leg; a first strap comprising opposing ends coupled to opposing edges of the upper portion of the brace member, the first strap configured to conform around the rear leg of the user; and a second strap comprising opposing ends coupled to the opposing edges of the lower portion of the brace member, the second strap configured to conform around the rear leg of the user; wherein the first longitudinal axis of the upper portion of the brace member is oriented within an approximate range of 115 to 145 degrees relative to the second longitudinal axis of the lower portion of the brace member, thereby maintaining the proper body positioning of the user throughout the swing.
 2. The leg brace training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a third strap comprising opposing ends coupled to the opposing edges of the upper portion of the brace member, the third strap configured to conform around the rear leg of the user.
 3. The leg brace training apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a first pair of slots disposed in the upper portion of the brace member along the opposing side edges of the brace member, a second pair of slots disposed in the lower portion of the brace member along the opposing side edges of the brace member, and a third pair of slots disposed in the upper portion of the brace member along the opposing side edges of the brace member, wherein the first strap is disposed through the first pair of slots, the second strap is disposed through the second pair of slots, and the third strap is disposed through the third pair of slots.
 4. The leg brace training apparatus of claim 3, wherein each strap in the first, second and third straps comprises a front face and a rear face, the front face comprising a loop fastening sheet coupled to an intermediate portion of the front face and a pair of hook fastening sheets coupled to opposing ends of the front face, the pair of hook fastening sheets configured to engage with the loop fastening sheet to secure the strap around the rear leg of the user.
 5. The leg brace training apparatus of claim 4, wherein the rear face of each strap in the first, second and third straps comprises a fabric pad coupled to an end of the rear face of the strap.
 6. The leg brace training apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of support members coupled to the brace member at a junction of the upper and lower portions of the brace member.
 7. The leg brace training apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first longitudinal axis of the upper portion of the brace member is oriented within an approximate range of 115 to 125 degrees relative to the second longitudinal axis of the lower portion of the brace member.
 8. The leg brace training apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first longitudinal axis of the upper portion of the brace member is oriented within an approximate range of 135 to 145 degrees relative to the second longitudinal axis of the lower portion of the brace member. 